Contemporary

Danny slammed his foot to the wall, the sole of his shoe scraping the surface into dust as he leapt across the overpass and fell.

His hands struck out, clutching a metal railing: his chest crashed against the concrete wall with a cracking thud. Breathless, he hung there, his eyes closed as he felt only air beneath his feet. Behind him he could hear the jeers and laughter of the Hammond boys, watching from the balcony of the tower block. They wanted him to fall.

A big thank you to award winning and best selling author Jonathan Maberry for suggesting the title of today’s story. Jonathan has done it all: novel writer, editor and comic book writer for both Marvel and Dark Horse,… he’s also a Doctor Who fan, which really puts him in my good books!

If you have a one word title you’d like me to turn into a story, tweet me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Don’t forget to follow the blog and like the OWOS Facebook page by clicking here.

Read more stories on the site – there are 27 more! Enjoy and share the stories about and I’ll see you tomorrow for “Violin”.

Maria peered down into the fridge, her finger slipping easily through the icing of the birthday cake. Her mouth curled up gently as she smoothed the mark flat.

“Soon.”

Drawing out a fresh bottle of Prossecco, she kicked the door closed and brushed down her rabbit-eared Onesie with a smile. Oven on, toys wrapped: everything was ready.

Three more bottles sat empty on coffee table. The hissing from the open oven door calmed her nerves and Maria yawned as she returned to the couch. Again she read the greetings cards scattered on the floor.

Please keep following the Blog for more stories – remember: new stories every morning. Oh, and articles, reviews, videos and audio stuff,… it’s gonna get busy! (If you’re not on WordPress, Like the OWOS Facebook page or follow my Twitter @timaustin2k).

Today’s word is the second suggested by Dr. Abby Astle who I’m sure was expecting a cheery tale. There’s not so much drama in a cheery tale. Sorry Abby.

If you want to join in and suggest your own word, pop it in the comments below or tweet it to @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.

See you tomorrow for “Lollard”. Oh, and come back a little later today for a surprise!!

“Oh! Isn’t it beautiful?” Anna squeezed her husband’s hand, her golden hair whipping in the sea breeze as the cruise liner rocked gently through the Pacific blue. The sun was a perfect orb against the glimmering horizon. Blue met blue, the clean salt air filling the newly-wed’s lungs and setting her spirit soaring. She shivered as a drop of liquid brushed her cheek. “We’d better get in – it’s starting to rain.”

Ten year old Kevin wasn’t havinga good time on the deck above. Leaning over the edge, he retched again, wiping the edge of his green, vomit-stained mouth.

Today’s title was suggested by the beautiful Vicki Oliver – Actress, reader and artist! You can find some of her work with candles at waxandwooduk.com. Please share the blog and this story on Facebook and Twitter

Today’s story is dedicated to the memory of the enormously talented Victoria Wood who died today. God bless and keep you, Victoria. RIP.

Please continue to share and support the blog by suggesting words and telling your friends. If you want to donate a word, tweet me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory.

The air swam with the scent of Rose Water and Jasmine, a million aromas spiralling on the breeze. The lush green rows of the plantation bathed in the Indian sun, a hundred pairs of feet sinking into the fertile dirt. Madhu smiled at the day, snatching leaftips from each bush and watching the women toiling the field. Beside her strode an English girl, her pale skin pinking in the sun. Madhu grinned across.

“Remind me” she asked, “What brought you to India, Katie?”

The English girl stroked the swastika tattoo on her wrist, her reply shy and quiet.

Today’s word was suggested by the wonderful Devika Fernando – best-selling romance and paranormal fiction author and hugely generous friend of OWOS project. You can find her at devikafernando.com or on Twitter at @Author_Devika

Devika suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. I welcome new suggestions: what will yours be?

Sincerity was never one of Jack’s strong points. Jane’s cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment, her teeth clenching tight.

“Jack.”

“Won’t you introduce me to your male friend?” He laboured the word male, balancing it like a dagger and twisting it just as hard. His eyes were a mix of amusement and malice as he turned his gaze to Jane’s date. There was a pause.

“…. Steven.”

Jane’s brow furrowed as she followed her ex husband’s eyes. Stephen was shifting in his seat, eyes locking to Jack’s. He choked a yearning whisper.

The rain melted with Helen’s tears as she looked up into a yawning maw of scorched grey clouds, wheeling and turning in a tempest far above. Were she able, she would have joined the thronging mass of blackening mists and lost herself to their fury. The green of the grass stretched bright as a challenge to the clouds above and she lay back, torn between worlds. She waited, water soaking through clothes and shivering her pin-pricked flesh. And there it was: the sunlight against the clouds – freedom in a prism of colour, her troubles tumbling free in laughter.

(c) Tim Austin 2016

Thanks to the tenacious Emma Rucastle for suggesting the word “Rainbow”. Emma is a theatre producer and director based up in the North West of England – you can reach her at @elaru on Twitter and at http://www.elartproductions.co.uk/

Got a word? Get in touch! Pop it in the comments or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Follow, share and get involved! I can’t do this without you!

Don’t stop – no time. Keep hunting, keep going, keep working. No time. Don’t pause: they’re counting on me. What if I stop? No! Never stop. Stop and you die. Stop and you fall to the dark place below: to the mound of rotting corpses forgotten, spent; fodder for the roots of the trees on which we feast. No: keep going, stay useful, stay relevant. Never stop. Straighten my tie, switch on the screen, drink the coffee and rock no boats. Protect the hive, protect the Queen: a good little worker, always.

(c) Tim Austin 2016

What a word to be handed! Thanks to the charming force of nature that is Aliki Chapple – Actor, Luddite, proud Grecian and Activist. You can find her on stage with The Rose Company or on Twitter at @amaenad

Got a word you’d like me to write about? Tell me in the comments section or tweet me at @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory